Kyle Seager isn't joining the Seattle Mariners to sit on the bench and occasionally pinch hit, according to general manager Jack Zduriencik. Shortly after the Mariners announced Seager was promoted from Triple-A Tacoma, Zduriencik spoke with the media, noting the team needs instant offense and Seager will be thrown right into the fire. Like his North Carolina teammate and fellow 2009 MLB Draft pick Dustin Ackley, Seager will play right away, and will likely play every day, either at third base or as a designated hitter.
Geoff Baker, of the Seattle Times, tweeted the news shortly after the personnel moves were announced on Wednesday.
Jack Zduriencik says Kyle Seager will be at 3B tomorrow and foe foreseeable future. Zduriencik on Seager: "He's earned the shot right now and we need the offense." Zduriencik says Adam Kennedy can play multiple positions and will see action. "It'll all work itself out." Sounds like possible trade.
Reading between the lines, this likely means Chone Figgins time is nearing an end. With Seager getting his feet wet at third base, Figgins seems to be destined for the bench, perhaps in a utility role. The Mariners will be breaking in both Seager and Ackley in the infield, and would like to keep some kind of continuity in place so the two can get acclimated to life in the major leagues -- though Ackley has done well for himself thus far.
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